New York

New York City is the classic American big apple — a dense, energetic metropolis of five boroughs where the skyline, Broadway stages and cultural landmarks feel bigger than life. You can stand in Times Square, stroll through Central Park, hop on the subway to Brooklyn, and still have inside tips for dumplings, bagels and world-class museums to explore. The city’s energy is its real attraction, from the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building to the everyday street life that powers the neighbourhoods. Bring comfortable shoes and an appetite — New York rewards walking and tasting.

About New York

New York is a city in United States. The city's documented population is around 8,480,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the US Dollar (USD) and English is spoken; the dialling code is +1. It is served by 3 airports in our guide: John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Neighbourhoods Stacked Like Separate Towns

New York is a vertical city where neighbourhoods feel like separate towns stacked one on top of another. Manhattan is the tourist core, but Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx carry much of the everyday life and the best food. You will almost certainly land at one of the two major airports and take a train, bus or taxi into the boroughs. The city runs around the clock, walkable in bursts but vast overall, so planning by district rather than by sight matters. The energy is relentless — bring comfortable shoes and a flexible appetite.

Subway Fares, Broadway Deals and Shoulder Seasons

An unlimited metro card or a phone-based fare account saves money if you ride several times a day; the subway runs 24/7 but is faster than it is glamorous. Broadway tickets sell for full price to tourists and at a discount through lotteries and day-of booths, so plan if theatre matters. Midsummer is hot and humid, midwinter is cold, and shoulder seasons are the most comfortable. Tipping is expected and generous — roughly 20% at most seated meals. Book the Statue of Liberty and the main observation decks ahead, because walk-up slots vanish.

The Grid, Central Park Entrances and Pay-What-You-Wish Days

The grid makes Manhattan easy to navigate, but cross-town walking is often longer than it looks. Taxis are everywhere but surge around events, and ride apps are common. Central Park is best entered from the sides rather than tackled end to end. Many museums have pay-what-you-wish or reserve days, and weekday mornings are calmest. Portions are large and street food is genuinely good. The subway requires a fare card or scanning app — paper tickets are outdated. Check weekend track work, which regularly reroutes lines. Pedestrians are assertive, and jaywalking is normal.

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Country: United States
Population: 8,480,000
Coordinates: 40.6413, -73.7781

Capital: Washington, D.C.
Region: North America
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Languages: English
Calling code: +1
Country code: US

Entry requirements for United States

Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting United States for tourism.

Getting to New York

Airports we list for New York:

Other airports in the area:

Cities in United States

Other cities we cover in United States:

Frequently asked questions

Is New York the capital of United States?

No — the capital of United States is Washington, D.C..

What currency do I need in New York?

The local currency is the US Dollar (USD). Languages spoken in United States include English.

What is the dialling code for United States?

The international dialling code for United States is +1.

Which airport should I fly into for New York?

The airports we list for New York are John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

How far is New York from the nearest airport?

New York is about 151 km from Philadelphia International Airport.

Do I need a visa to visit United States?

It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Argentina (visa required), Japan (e-visa), Morocco (visa required), Singapore (e-visa) and South Korea (e-visa). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.

Flying out of New York? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.